Ex-MetEC Chief Kinfe Dagnew Walks Out

Mar 16 , 2024


[ssba-buttons]

After enduring a lengthy period of incarceration spanning five years and four months, Kinfe Dagnew (MG), the former director general of the Metals & Engineering Corporation (MetEC), was granted release last week. Kinfe had been embroiled in a legal battle since 2018, facing charges of high-level corruption related to various transactions overseen during his tenure. Among the allegations were irregularities surrounding the Rivera Hotel and PVC Profile Factory, with accusations of transactions conducted without adherence to proper and legal bidding processes. His release was alongside the former head of the Somali Regional State, Abdi Mohamed Omar (Abdi Ile). According to a local media report, the Ministry of Justice sent a statement indicating that the charges against both have been dropped for "lasting public interest."


Radar

Milkii App Disburses 25 Million Br in Collateral-Free Loans in Two Months

Oromia Bank's new collateral-free digital lending app, Milkii, has disbursed 25 million Br in loans without requiring collateral. Of this, 16 million Br has already been repaid, generating 1.4 million Br in revenue within just two months. Developed in partnership with Quantum Technology PLC, the app plans to make lending more accessible and inclusive, aligning with Oromia Bank's contribution to the Digital Ethiopia initiative. According to a press release, Milkii promotes financial inclusi...


Radar

Ethiopia Partners with UK to Ease Shipping Bottlenecks

The Ethiopian Freight Forwarders & Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA) and the British International Freight Association (BIFA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on May 27, 2025, at Hyatt Regency Addis Abeba, to address skills gaps, customs delays, and corridor inefficiencies in the freight and logistics sector. The partnership focuses on technical cooperation, training, and regulatory reform. With over 90pc of trade dependent on the Djibouti corridor, rising congestion, customs...


Radar

Education Authority Sanctions Mishqen College for Rule Violations

The Education & Training Authority has issued a decisive directive last week, mandating legal action against Mishqen College for persistently defying regulatory orders and unlawfully continuing to offer higher education services. Mishqen College had previously been licensed to conduct undergraduate distance learning programs across multiple regions from 2019 to 2022. However, after serious regulatory breaches, the institution was ordered to cease all instruction, complete pending academic...